Just around the corner from one of the Queen’s palaces, and much like the Her Majesty this place is old, small and full of booze.

One of the most common sights in London in summer is groups of drinkers spilling out of pubs into the streets outside, and at the Cask and Glass this is a year round phenomenon given the limited size inside. Fortunately it’s on a quiet street, and there is plenty of room out there. You’ll almost certainly be needing it because it’s as popular as it is small, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a seat unless you leave work at lunchtime (which we recommend anyway).

Inside it would probably best be described as ‘no nonsense’. There’s a good selection of Shepherd Neame ales and a few lagers – the Whitstable Blonde is particularly delicious.

There’s a small food selection but it’s not really the sort of place you’d come for a meal. Much more suited to a beer or seven after work. You’ll probably find yourself standing outside even if you don’t smoke, but fortunately for you the smoking area is always the most fun part of any pub. It’s a popular post-work venue and the atmosphere outside is usually fun.

Some people think that old fashioned, no-nonsense pubs are inherently better than any other sort. Fortunately these are the same people who would have stopped reading in disgust when they read that joke at the Queen’s expense at the start of this review, so I can safely say that they’re chatting bollocks. Old isn’t necessarily better. But when these pubs are done well they do make a nice contrast when you’re pub hopping around, especially in the busy modern setting of central London. This one is done well and makes a good edition to a Victoria pub crawl.

Beer: 3Price: 3Service: 4Atmosphere: 5

Do they do food? A bit.Are they in the 21st Century? Contactless accepted.Are there dogs? Not enough room to swing a cat, but would be dog friendly.I want to smoke: Street outside – you may find yourself there even if you don’t smoke.